This past weekend was the NBA 3X event in Sao Paulo, Brazil. NBA 3X is a global program put on by the NBA to promote the game around the world.

The Spurs’ Tiago Splitter was in his home country helping with the festivities. Splitter is increasing his role as a Brazilian ambassador of the NBA. He seems very excited about the league extending his reach to South America and feels very encouraged by all the support.

“We are living in an important time of basketball in the country,” Splitter said. “The NBA is increasingly interested in Brazil and I'm sure good things will still happen. Although it was a quick pass, really enjoyed it, I received love from everyone and this will give me even more confidence and motivation to make a great season with the San Antonio Spurs.”

Good to see Tiago getting charged up before the season. The Spurs will need their Brazilian big man to step up more than ever this year.

It’s also great to watch the NBA expand. We get so wrapped up in the business side of the league with owners trying to squeeze out every bit of profit they can and players trying to get their $16 million contract to $18 million instead. It’s nice to see players like Tiago putting a friendly face on the game of basketball and getting whole countries involved.